What to Do When you Feel Stuck in Life

I just finished a John Maxwell training session, and wow—I loved it. The topic was all about how to get unstuck in your life, and it hit me in all the right ways.  I wanted to share a few key takeaways with you and how I’m thinking about them in my own life.

Let’s start with that feeling of “stuckness.” You know it—the one where you’re putting in effort, but it feels like you’re stuck in the same spot—no momentum, no traction. That feeling is actually a signal. It’s your mind and body’s way of telling you: something needs to change. It’s not a personal failure—it’s just feedback. What you need is a new system.

So what’s a system? A system is really just the mix of your routines, habits, and the way you approach things day to day. It’s how you get things done, how you follow through, and how you respond when things go off track.

Sometimes we create these big, detailed plans that feel like a masterpiece. But then we resist changing them because—well—we spent so much time crafting them! The truth is: sticking to the plan is not the goal. Reaching the goal is the goal. If the plan isn’t working, pivot. Don’t let the plan become a prison.

“Growth doesn’t happen just because you wrote it down. It comes from showing up and taking action.”

My Favorite Goal Planning Tip

If you’ve got a 3- or 6-month goal in mind, break it into monthly milestones. Then—and this is key—only detail out the first month or two. After the first month, pause and reflect:

• What’s working?

• What’s not?

• Why isn’t it working?

• What’s getting in the way?

Then ask yourself the hard question: Am I willing to give something up to move forward? This is where your why matters. When your “why” is strong enough, it becomes easier to make those uncomfortable sacrifices. Growth comes when we step outside our comfort zone and stretch ourselves that extra 1% every day.

3 Powerful Ways to Get Unstuck

Here are three simple (but powerful) strategies shared:

1. Find a mentor who’s done what you’re trying to do. They don’t have to be someone you meet in person. Your mentor can be a podcast host, an author, a speaker—anyone who inspires you. But if you can find someone you can ask questions to? Even better. Don’t let access stop you from learning.

2. Remember: You’re not stuck—you’re being signaled. Feeling stuck isn’t a dead end. It’s a sign that something in your system needs a shift. So pause, reflect, and adjust.

3. Choose consistency over intensity. Intensity is great for a sprint, but it’s consistency that wins the marathon. Discipline. Daily action. That’s what moves the needle. Ask yourself: What small action am I taking every day to move closer to my goal? Need help staying consistent? Get an accountability partner. And make your habits easier by anchoring them to a specific time of day. For example, my Bible study schedule looks like this:

• Monday, Thursday–Sunday: 7:30 AM

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:30 AM That’s what works for me. Find what works for you, and stick with it.

The journey to growth isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes it’s messy. But it’s always worth it. You’re not stuck. You’re being invited to shift.

Let’s move forward—1% at a time.

✍️ Take a minute and ask yourself:

• What’s one goal I’ve been stuck on lately?

• What system or habit might need to change?

• What’s one 1% action I can commit to this week?